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Why Test For Nitrate?Nitrate (NO3-) is produced in the aquarium by the biological filter. Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert toxic ammonia and nitrite into nitrate. A high nitrate level indicates a build-up of fish waste and organic compounds, resulting in poor water quality and contributing to the likelihood of fish disease. Excessive nitrate also provides a nitrogen source that can stimulate algal blooms. In the opinion of many aquarists, maintaining a low nitrate level improves the health of fish and invertebrates.

Testing Tips:This test kit reads total nitrate (NO3-) level in parts per million (ppm) which are equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L) from 0 ppm to 160 ppm, in either fresh or saltwater aquariums. This kit includes two Nitrate Test Color Charts — one for freshwater aquariums, and one for saltwater aquariums — so be sure to use the correct chart for your type of aquarium when interpreting test results. The Freshwater Nitrate Test Color Chart is the appropriate chart to use for testing freshwater aquariums to which salt has been added. This test kit measures nitrate as nitrate ion or “total nitrate.” Other nitrate test kits that measure “nitrate-nitrogen” (NO3-N) will give readings 4.4 times LESS than this test kit.

Directions for Testing Nitrate:

Read thoroughly before testing. Do not allow Test Solutions to get into aquarium.

To remove childproof safety cap: With one hand, push red tab left with thumb while unscrewing cap with free hand.

Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).

Add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution Bottle # 1, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops added to the water sample.

Cap the test tube and invert tube several times to mix solution. Do not hold finger over the open end of the tube, as this may affect test results.

Vigorously shake the Nitrate Test Solution Bottle # 2 for at least 30 seconds. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results.

Now add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution Bottle #2, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops to the water sample.

Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for one minute. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results.

Wait five minutes for the color to develop.

Read the test results by matching the color of the solution against those on the Nitrate Test Color Chart. The tube should be viewed against the white area beside the color chart. Color comparisons are best made in a well-lit area. The closest match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of nitrate in the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after each use.

What The Test Results Mean:In new freshwater and saltwater aquariums the nitrate level will gradually climb as the biological filter becomes established. A nitrate level of 40 ppm (mg/L) or less is recommended for freshwater aquariums. Many marine aquarists prefer to keep nitrate levels as low as possible, especially when keeping invertebrates.

Monitoring Nitrate Levels:Regular testing for nitrate is an essential part of routine aquarium maintenance. Aquarium water should be tested for nitrate once a week to make sure the nitrate does not reach an undesirable level.

Reducing Nitrate in the Aquarium:

In FreshwaterUse Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Nitra-Zorb™ to remove nitrate from freshwater aquariums. Nitra-Zorb is a rechargeable filtration material that removes nitrate from freshwater. Making partial water changes can also help reduce the nitrate level, especially if the initial nitrate level is very high. However, because many tap water supplies contain nitrate, it can be difficult to lower nitrate levels by this method. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Purifier will remove all pollutants, including nitrate, from tap water, making water changes effective. The Tap Water Purifier makes any tap water perfect aquarium water.

In SaltwaterPartial water changes are the easiest way to lower the nitrate in a saltwater aquarium. Keep in mind, however, that the biological filter constantly produces nitrate. Also, because many tap water supplies contain nitrate, it can be difficult to lower nitrate levels by this method. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Purifier will remove all pollutants, including nitrate, from the tap water— making water changes effective. The Tap Water Purifier makes any tap water perfect aquarium water.

DANGER:

HARMFUL Xn & CORROSIVE C

Bottle #1 contains 41% Hydrochloric acid

Causes burns

Irritating to respiratory system

Harmful if swallowed

Keep locked up and out of the reach of children

In case of contact with eyes or skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water (at least 15 minutes) and seek medical advice immediately

Remove contaminated clothing

Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection

In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label where possible).

Manufacturer Info

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Aquarium SuppliesAquarium Pharmaceuticals (API) has been helping people take good care of ornamental fish for over 40 years. Their research and development scientists have advanced the care of fish with all-natural medications, stable bacteria for biological filtration, one-bottle test kits, consumer-friendly dosing caps and much more. They’ve received over 25 global patents for their breakthrough innovations in the aquatics industry. And they continue to look for ways to improve the fishkeeping experience for hobbyists. Research. Experience. Dedication to scientific, quality treatment for healthy fish. It’s what makes API the first choice of aquarium owners. API manufactures and sells hundreds of products across many different product categories, including aquarium and pond treatments, aquarium equipment, aquariums and fish nutrition.

API Saltwater Nitrate Test

by
Tony

Average

Posted: 1/20/2011 from BALLWIN, MO UNITED STATES

3.05

Experience Level:
Expert

Comments:I have used a couple of different saltwater nitrate test kits. This one is the easiest to use with only 2 chemicals. The only issue that I have with it is that I can't see any color difference on the color card between the 5.0ppm color and the 10.0ppm color. However, since my goal is 0.0ppm for my reef the bright yellow color is easy to see.

Test Kit

by
DENISE ZEDIALIS

Excellent!

Posted: 4/23/2009 from SAINT LOUIS, MO UNITED STATES

5.05

Experience Level:
Expert

Comments:I would definitely recommend this to anyone! It is easy to use and inexpensive to have. It beats driving to the fish store. I have seahorses and need to test nitrates often so this simple test is great. It was recommended to me be the SESAL forum and they were right!

Very Good

by
DONI MARIE

Excellent!

Posted: 1/27/2009 from HILLSBOROUGH, NC UNITED STATES

5.05

Experience Level:
Expert

Comments:When used as directed, this product works very well.
I use this API kit weekly on my reef tank and 300 gal clownfish growout system. I do periodically retest using my Salifert (just to double check results).
I have found the API to be user friendly and accurate.
It is important that you read the instructions carefully and are sure to shake the #2 reagent prior to use since it settles. You should also ensure the expiration date has not passed

Great kit

by
Mike

Great

Posted: 1/9/2009

4.05

Experience Level:
Intermediate

Comments:I've been using this kit after switching from Salifert. Kit is easy to use and is very accurate. All you do is add 5ml of your water, then 10 drops of one solution. Mix. Add 10 drops of another solution, mix, then wait 5 mins. Only thing that would be a great improvement would be if you didn't have to wait the 5 mins for the final result. I greatly prefer this kit over the Salifert though.

API Nitrate Test Kit

by
Mike

Excellent!

Posted: 6/19/2008 from SAN FRANCISCO, CA UNITED STATE

5.05

Experience Level:
Expert

Comments:I give this test a high score, not because it's the most accurate test out there, but because for the price it does what it needs to. API makes very inexpensive test kits, and might not be the most accurate ones out there, but if you don't need to know what your nitrates down to the 0.1 then this is the perfect kit for you. If you simply need a way to see if you have a problem at all this kit is for you.
Yes there are people who need to know if they have 0.5ppm of nitrates and that's fine, they can buy the other more expensive kits. However all I really care about is first, do I have a big nitrate problem? Then I want to know roughly how many. When I test mine I see a yellowish color (zero), then I'm happy.
2 regent formula, shake between mixing, and wait 5 minutes, it can't be any more simple

Good Tests Kit

by
DAVID NETTLES

Great

Posted: 11/15/2007 from ORANGE PARK, FL UNITED STATES

4.05

Experience Level:
Intermediate

Comments:This test kit works for me. I have the salifert kit also but you have to understand that Salifert and API measure two different things. API measures total nitrate, Salifert measures nitrate-nitrogen. To adjust you divide API by 4.4 or multiply Salifert by 4.4. Doing this has always yielded equivalent readings between the two kits.